Hydrogen Burn Off Igniters

Launch Vehicles

Product Description

Hydrogen Burn-Off Igniters (HBOI) utilize an electrical input stimulus that ignites an Electro-Explosive Device (EED) which in turn ignites a propellant grain. The propellant grain is designed to sustain a controlled burn for a specified amount of time (minimum of 22 seconds), As the propellant grain burns, it produces hot pyrotechnic particles which are propelled and exited through a nozzle in a cone pattern over a required distance (minimum of 15 feet). Propellant burn time duration and throw distance can be customized to meet specific customer application needs.

Another common version of this device is the Radially Outward Firing Igniter (ROFI). As the name implies, the ROFI spins sparks in an outward pattern to dispel the accumulation of hydrogen during launch.

Applications

HBO Igniters provide output of hot pyrotechnic particles used to prevent the accumulation of hydrogen gas on the launch pad during the starting process of Liquid Hydrogen/Liquid Oxygen (LOX) rocket engines. HBO Igniters can be used where ejection of hot pyrotechnic particles will provide a means to solve other applications.

Functions

Hydrogen Burn Off Igniters are qualified and used to support the safe launching of various U.S. and International space vehicles.

  • NASA’s Space Shuttle
  • United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Rocket
  • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) H2 Rocket

Specifications

  • Output
    Provide pyrotechnic sparks of at least +1,500°F
  • Throw
    Eject hot particles a minimum distance of 15 feet, and a cone angle of approximately 20°
  • Duration (Burn Time)
    Minimum 22 seconds
  • Operational Temperature
    -20°F to +160°F
  • Hermetic Sealing
    1 x 10-5 cc/sec of helium with one atmosphere differential pressure
  • Hermetic Sealing
    1 x 10-5 cc/sec of helium with one atmosphere differential pressure
  • All-fire Stimulus
    4.0 amperes with a 20 millisecond pulse
  • No-fire
    1.0 ampere / 1.0 watt for 5.0 minute
  • Insulation Resistance
    Greater than 2.0 megaohms at 500 volts direct current
  • Applicable Specifications
    Motor Igniter qualified to MIL-STD-1576
    Initiator qualified to MIL-I-23659

Interface

Hydrogen Burn Off Technical

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